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Everything you need to know about Evan Williams Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
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Evan Williams 2008 Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey 606 86.6 Proof£109.96 Inc VAT -
Evan Williams 12 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey 101 Proof Japanese£134.99 Inc VAT -
Evan Williams 12 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey 101 Proof£129.99 Inc VAT
A brief History
Evan Williams, Kentucky Region, USA. Founded in 1783.
Evan Williams is one of the most widely recognised bourbon brands in the United States. The name comes from Evan Williams, a Welsh immigrant who is often credited with opening one of Kentucky’s earliest commercial distilleries along the Ohio River in Louisville in 1783. While historians debate whether it was truly the first distillery in Kentucky, the story has become a central part of the brand’s identity.
Today, Evan Williams bourbon is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, a family-owned company based in Bardstown, Kentucky, often referred to as the Bourbon Capital of the World. Heaven Hill began producing Evan Williams in the 1950s and gradually turned it into one of the best-selling bourbons in America.
The brand focuses on traditional Kentucky straight bourbon, offering a range of expressions that balance classic flavour with accessible pricing. It’s a bourbon designed to be enjoyed neat, with ice, or as the base of well-known whiskey cocktails.
Taste Profile
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Oaky / Woody |
Sweet | Spicy |
Evan Williams bourbon is known for its smooth and approachable character. Sweet caramel and vanilla flavours usually appear first, followed by gentle oak and warming spice from the rye in the mash bill.
The whisky has a medium body and a slightly sweet finish with hints of toasted oak and honey. Compared with some stronger bourbons, Evan Williams is designed to be balanced and easy to drink.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Caramel / Toffee |
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Vanilla |
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Honey |
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Oak / Wood Spice |
Most Popular Bottles
Evan Williams Black Label
The flagship bourbon and one of the most widely available expressions.
Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (White Label)
A higher-proof version bottled under strict Bottled-in-Bond regulations.
Evan Williams Single Barrel
A vintage-dated bourbon that often shows deeper flavour and complexity.
Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch
A slightly richer expression with stronger caramel and oak notes.
These bottles represent the core of the Evan Williams range.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Evan Williams at Heaven Hill Distillery
Address: 1311 Gikey Run Road, Kentucky, USA
 Open in maps |
 www.evanwilliams.com |
 +1 502 337 1000 |
Visitor Centre & Opening Times
The brand can be experienced at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville.
Typical opening hours
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Daily
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Around 10:00 – 17:00
Visitors can explore the history of the brand and take part in bourbon tastings.
Ownership History
Historic Figure
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Evan Williams (18th-century distiller)
Modern Brand Development
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Heaven Hill Distillery began producing Evan Williams bourbon in the 1950s.
Current Owner
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Heaven Hill Distillery (family-owned)
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
Evan Williams is a Kentucky straight bourbon brand produced by Heaven Hill Distillery. The brand is named after Evan Williams, a Welsh immigrant who is often credited with opening one of Kentucky’s earliest commercial distilleries in 1783 in Louisville.
The modern Evan Williams brand was introduced in 1957 by Heaven Hill and has since become one of the best-selling bourbons in the United States. Although associated with Louisville historically, the whiskey is now distilled and matured primarily in Bardstown, Kentucky, at Heaven Hill’s facilities.
Production
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Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
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Producer: Heaven Hill Distillery
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Mash Bill: Corn, rye, and malted barley
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Distillation: Column still followed by a doubler
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Barrels: New charred American oak
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Typical Age: Around 4–7 years depending on expression
Heaven Hill is one of the largest family-owned bourbon producers in Kentucky and controls the entire process from distillation through maturation.
Whisky Style
Evan Williams bourbon typically shows:
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Sweet corn foundation
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Vanilla and caramel
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Toasted oak
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Light baking spice
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Medium body with a smooth finish
The profile is designed to be approachable and versatile for both neat drinking and cocktails.
Key Expressions
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Evan Williams Black Label – Core flagship bourbon
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Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (White Label) – 100 proof bonded bourbon
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Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch – Richer small batch expression
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Evan Williams Single Barrel – Vintage-dated premium release
The Bottled-in-Bond expression is widely regarded as one of the best value bourbons available.
Significance
Evan Williams is one of the most widely distributed bourbon brands globally and forms a major pillar of the Heaven Hill portfolio. It serves as a large-scale introduction to Kentucky bourbon while maintaining traditional production methods.
The brand also reflects the deep historical narrative of early American whiskey distilling in Kentucky.
Evan Williams Whisky to Buy
Carefully Packed
& Protected
Every bottle is securely packed to ensure it arrives safely.
Free UK Delivery
Over £99
Secure delivery across the UK. Excludes Highlands & Islands.
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